Acupuncture Milestones – Medicare Beginning Coverage

Medicare, after a short trial period, has decided it will begin covering Acupuncture for low back pain.  This is both exciting and confusing at the same time.  In the new language:

“Only a physician as defined by Medicare in 1861(r)(1) (i.e. an MD or DO), and those with “a masters or doctoral level degree in acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM)” may furnish acupuncture.”

This sounds great, but then:

However, it will only cover acupuncture by a licensed Acupuncturist if they are under “the appropriate level” of supervision with MD/DO providers, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants.  It isn’t as clear what this means or how treatment is billed and reimbursed.   Please see the below letter:

ASA-NCCAOM-letter-re-CMS-Acu-Determination-Jan-22-2020final.pdfcopy

 

Regardless, this is an important milestone in our profession!  We will work to figure out what this actually means in the real world of healthcare and reimbursement.  Onwards!

 

You’re not stuck with the health you have!

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